July is National Ice Cream Month

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day. He recognized ice cream as a fun and nutritious food that is enjoyed by a full 90% of the nation’s population. In the proclamation, President Reagan called for all people of the United States to observe these events with “appropriate ceremonies and activities.”

The International Ice Cream Association (IICA) encourages retailers and consumers to celebrate July as National Ice Cream Month. In 2007, National Ice Cream Day will be Sunday, July 15.

The U.S. ice cream industry generates more than $21 billion in annual sales and provides jobs for thousands of citizens. About 9% of all the milk produced by U.S. dairy farmers is used to produce ice cream, contributing significantly to the economic well-being of the nation’s dairy industry.

Craving more? Satiate yourself with the 25 most-searched flavors this summer.

1. Vanilla
2. Chocolate
3. Strawberry
4. Peach
5. Banana
6. Coffee
7. Green Tea
8. Coconut
9. Butter Pecan
10. Peanut Butter
11. Lemon
12. Pineapple
13. Apple
14. Ginger
15. Mango
16. Mint
17. Cinnamon
18. Spumoni
19. Oreo
20. Blueberry
21. Pistachio
22. Apricot
23. Custard
24. Cherry
25. Cheesecake